Chapter 237: Epilogue
~Ava's POV~
Three months had passed since the war ended. Three months since I gained my family and Raphael back.
I stood in the throne room of Mesodomica, looking at the crown that had caused me so much pain and responsibility. Remembering how the weight of it all had felt heavy.
The people were gathered in the great hall, waiting for me to speak. They expected me to talk about rebuilding, about our future as a kingdom. But I had something else to tell them.
"My people," I began, my voice echoing through the hall. "You have been loyal to me through the darkest of times. You have fought beside me, bled for me, and trusted me with your lives."
I took a deep breath.
"But I cannot be your queen anymore."
Gasps could be heard. Some people looked shocked, others confused.
"All my life, I have been told what to do. Where to go. How to live. First an omega then a slave. Then I was told I was a princess, then a queen, then a weapon. But I have never been allowed to just be... me."
I looked out at their faces, faces that had become dear to me over the years.
"I want a normal life. I want to wake up in the morning and choose what I do with my day. I want to laugh without worrying about kingdoms. I want to love without thinking about alliances."
I reached up and removed the crown from my head. The silver felt cold against my fingers as I held it up for everyone to see.
"But I do not leave you without a leader. Lucien of House Lenica has proven himself in battle and in peace. He knows this kingdom and loves its people."
I turned to Lucien, who stood nearby with wide eyes.
"Will you accept this crown and the responsibility that comes with it?"
Lucien stepped forward and knelt before me. "I will, Your Majesty. I will protect this kingdom with my life, that's what you decree."
I placed the crown on his head. "Then rise, King Lucien Elias Lenica of Mesodomica."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Lucien stood and immediately reached for Alexis, pulling her to his side.
"And I choose Alexis as my queen," he announced. Alexis stiffens but doesn't say anything but put on a tight smile.
I smiled as I watched them. They would be good rulers. They would be happy together.
Captain Cassius stepped forward and knelt before the new king. "I pledge my sword to you, Your Majesty."
"Rise, my friend," Lucien said. "We will rule together, as we have fought together." Smiling deviously at him. I decided as usual not to pry.
As the celebration continued around us, I slipped away from the crowd. I needed air. I needed space to think.
I found Haggar in her chambers, packing her belongings into a small bag.
"You're leaving too?" I asked.
She looked up at me with those wise eyes. "I am going into seclusion again, child. The world has too much noise for an old woman like me."
"Will I see you again?"
"If you or my granddaughter need me, call for me. I will come to you immediately." She touched my cheek gently. "You made the right choice today. Freedom is more valuable than any crown."
After Haggar left, I went to find Gwen and Drogon. I found them in the courtyard, preparing for their own journey.
"We're going to the first realm to find Anastasia," Gwen told me. "To bring her and the children back."
"I want to come with you," I said quickly.
Gwen raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? It's not exactly a royal vacation."
"I'm not royal anymore," I reminded her with a smile. "I'm just Ava now."
Before Gwen could respond, Raphael appeared beside us.
"You're not going anywhere without me," he said firmly.
I stared at him. "What about Lystra? What about your kingdom?"
"I took it back," he said simply. "The moment I became king again, all those other kingdoms that were causing you trouble backed down. Amazing what a little fear can accomplish."
"But your people need you."
Raphael smiled. "I gave them a king."
I was confused. "What do you mean?"
"Ava, in case, you are forgetting, I am a god now. I have god-like powers. So I can create life."
Understanding dawned on me. "You made a copy of yourself."
"Exactly. He has all my memories, all my skills, all my love for Lystra. He will rule in my place."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "You gave up your kingdom... for me?"
"I gave up a throne to follow the woman I love wherever she wants to go," he corrected. "There's a difference."
"Won't you regret this?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
"Never," he said without hesitation. "I will never survive without you, little one. I would likely run mad and become bitter again. Besides, I already lost you once. I won't lose you again."
My heart felt like it might burst from happiness. After everything I had lost, after all the pain and sacrifice, here was someone who chose me over everything else.
"I promise I'll make you happy," I said.
Raphael burst out laughing. "I know that's why I'm following you."
"Enough, you two," Drogon called from the gate. "Let's move it already. Some of us would like to reunite with our family before winter ends."
He pulled Gwen past the gate that led to the portal. I couldn't help but laugh at his impatience.
Raphael took my hand as we followed them. For the first time in my life, I felt truly free. No crown, no kingdom, no destiny controlling my choices. Just me, the man I loved, and the open road ahead.
As we reached the gate, I looked back at the castle one last time. It had been my prison and my home, my burden and my strength.
"You will never leave me, right?" I asked Raphael as we crossed through the portal.
"Never," he said, squeezing my hand. "I will always come back to you, little one."
And as we stepped into the first realm together, I knew that no matter what adventures waited for us, no matter what challenges we would face, I would never be alone again.
Life indeed isn't always all about power. Sometimes it's simply finding someone who will choose you, every day, for the rest of their life.
And sometimes, it's having the courage to choose happiness over duty.
I had spent my whole life being what others needed me to be.
Now, finally, I could just be me.
~THE END~
Author's Note
Dear wonderful readers.
Thank you for making this book a success and reading it regardless of the mistakes I have made. Thank you for giving it a chance.
If you will like something different try my next book. " Owned by the underworld King." Love you all ❤️ P.s: this won't disappoint you.
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